It's been a month of mixed fortunes; Ferdy wasn’t disgraced at Haydock in a competitive field as he continues to prove he has stamina enough for the longer trip. He’ll definitely make a great duel purpose horse and is versatile enough to go on any ground.

Dubara Reef did his usual trailblazing run from the front at Redcar, only to throw in the towel at the business end. Mind you he has won seven times and been placed a further 10 times and his owners have a great attitude to him and this comment from Geoff Booker, a member of the Oaklea Aces who own Dubara Reef, really sums up the reasons to be involved in this sport.

He said: “Of course we love it when Dubara Reef runs well. Of course we love it when he wins. But we also love it when he comes home safe and sound. … Honestly the whole experience is a joy”

Suni Dancer has continued her recent run of form with a good second at Carlisle at the weekend. As a two-year-old last year, she was quite small and I always knew she would be a much better, stronger three-year-old. I think I’ve found the measure of her now and her trip is a mile to mile and a quarter on a good galloping track. If she carries on like this then it shouldn’t be too long before she’ll be back in the winners’ enclosure.

Local jockey Jay Kendrick gets first ride under rules at Haydock

Another first for the yard was our own apprentice jockey Jay Kendrick getting his first official ride under rules. He partnered Beau Mistral at Haydock earlier in June and showed real professionalism to recover from being slowly away to finish in the places. The whole yard turned up to cheer him on and Beau’s owners; The Wins or Not Group were over the moon with ride, not least because they enjoyed a glass of complimentary champagne in the winners lounge thanks to his efforts!

Juveniles doing well on and off the track

Our two-year-olds are coming along well. Toni's A Star has been running in Maiden's recently, but should be more competitive once she is running in handicaps off her own mark. We have a really exciting prospect in filly named Anneani. She is a half sister to the very useful listed winner and group placed Coulsty, both are by the same dam - Hazium.

Anneani along with our other two-year-old - Lydiate Lady - have both got their first entry at Ripon on Monday and I’ll see how they both get along before making any plans for them.

Our Bushranger colt is showing bags of speed and he shouldn’t be too far from a run. His owners will be choosing his racing name and colours in the next week in preparation for his racecourse debut. There’s still a couple of 12% shares left in him, so if you fancy dipping your toe in the water now is the time to get involved, check our website for details www.oaklearacingstables.co.uk

De Repente will also be out at Ripon on Monday and Lucky Dan and Hollydanfaye both with entries at Thirsk on Thursday.

Looking for diamonds in the rough with yearlings

In light of the Weatherby’s Super Sprint won last week by Tiggy Wiggy, The Racing Post published a really interesting piece this week regarding the price of two-year-olds in relation to their RPR.

The Weatherby’s Super Sprint is a valuable conditions race for two-year-olds. The weight a horse is allotted to carry is determined by its cost in the sales ring. Only horses that cost less than £50,500 can be entered. With yearlings being sold for record-breaking figures this type of race is ideal for the smaller owners and yards without the firepower of the top stables.

Our policy here has always been to find a diamond in the rough, usually by investing in new season sires or unproven stallions. The Racing Post article suggested that any horse costing less than £10k could only realistically be expected to reach an RPR of 54 and therefore competing in low-grade handicaps. As with every rule there's usually an exception; and we're it!

De Repente as a two-year-old achieved an RPR of 75 even though she cost less than £10k at the sales, likewise Rusty Rocket who was rated 73. One of my first purchases, back in 2005 was Invincible Force, who cost me just £10,500 but went on to be rated 101. Proof that you really don’t need a king’s ransom to enjoy the sport of kings.